No bounty? Cowboys must put it in writing

When Commissioner Roger Goodell meted out his punishment to the New Orleans Saints, he sent a directive to every team in the NFL. Goodell’s memo instructs clubs to certify that they don’t operate a program similar to the one sanctioned by the Saints.

Owner Jerry Jones must meet with Garrett and confirm that the Cowboys don’t operate a pay-for-performance or bounty program. Jones must then inform his head coach that if such a program exists, it must be terminated immediately.

Garrett stated earlier this month that there is no such program in place with the Cowboys.

“It’s never really been an issue for our team,” Garrett said. “That’s not something we have done.

“I think we all have a real focus on player safety. I think everyone understands that the league has done a really good job of that. We try to do that with our team so it has not been an issue for us.”

Jones and Garrett must declare in writing to Goodell by March 30 that this meeting has taken place and the Cowboys don’t run a bounty program.